Push it!!

Dont stop, endure till the end, keep pushing for what you want. Your never too old, never too uneducated, never too slow. Use your negatives to put your positives into action. Let the critics inspire you. Dont be bitter, be better. If you fall down, get up. Keep getting up. You may not be there yet, but you are closer than yesterday. Life has no limitations except for the ones you make.With God all things are possible. - Matthew 19:26

I just needed to inspire and encourage myself tonight, I hope I enouraged you as well!


P.S Also check out Girl Nurture-Girl Talk, a fabulous blog by my friend and mentor Joan, I will be contributing to from time to time!
Girl Nurture-Girl Talk

Summer's Ending!

Im sorry, this summer went by wayy to fast. I have been working, dealing with a homesick child on summer vacay, and trying to make the most of my "me" time! So now, Miles is back and a very happy camper, and school starts in two weeks. So in my mind, the summer is basically over.There are still lots of things I still want to do and accomplish! Things I had planned before the summer started.Writing for some other blog was one of those things. With all the summer fun, I have totally neglected my blog, however I have written for two other beauty blogs, an article for Kim Porter at Makeup by Kim Porter and Renee at Beauty Fool Beauty Fool.I appreciate these lovely ladies for giving me the opportunity to contribute to your blogs, I'm just trying to hone my skills.Still going to do the things I planned, just at a slower pace! I plan to keep this post short, but I heard a wonderful prayer today that came from Sir Frances Drake, and speaks to living ABOVE your potential and not just living a mediocre life. You all can do it! Take courage and step out of your comfort zone.

Disturb us, Lord, when We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.

Judge Not...Lets make practical spiritual progress!

" Judge not, lest ye be judged" Strong statement isnt it? I am the first to say I am GUILTY! The natural desire for us to judge others that we DONT know is strong. Especially if they dont look like us or talk like us..One quick personal story, as I am sure you all have your own, and can relate- I was recently on the first leg of my flight home from my vacation. I wasnt able to snag the aisle seat on the airlplane that I prefer, so I was stuck in the middle seat, and kinda dreading it, since you never know who you will be in between! By the window was a guy who seemed zoned out, which was fine with me. The aisle seat was taken by a tatoo covered, blinged out watch and earring wearing dude, that looked like he belonged in a punk band.. Im thinking "nice, this should be interesting.." Guess what? He turned out to be super polite, he read his BIBLE and took notes the entire flight! And he actually smelled good too. LOL! Can you see where I am going with this people? From just glancing at the guy, I thought the worst. I was wrong.I judged that man based on his outer appearance and not his actions or behavior- there is a difference! When the Bible talks about this in Matt. 7:1 "Judge not, lest ye be judged" it refers to getting yourself in "right standing" before judging anyone else.. judging by the standards of the Word-and never judging anyone with a sense of "moral superiority". The tatooed guy on the plane probably got that. Im working on it starting this week- and ask that you guys try it- Give folks a break, before you even see what they are about, before you have a conversation. Wouldn't it be terrible if someone judged you that way?

Travel Plans? Lets see if my tips work for me!

Anyone have travel plans for the summer? Whether the flight is long or short, we all know what a crazy, stressful situation this can present! I’m headed out to California this week, and I am determined to have a zen travel experience. Here are some tips I plan to use, and some that are tried and true!

o Stay hydrated! Soo important because airplane cabins are known for dry stale air. Keep water near you at all times.
o Same goes for your skin! If you have dry skin, add some additional moisturizer inflight.
o Keep healthy snacks close by- lots of times airport food is unhealthy. Try to eat light, and pack in the proteins, to avoid tummy troubles.
o Make sure you have a mini “flight bag” with pharmacy items like Alka-Seltzer’s, pain relievers and anti-bacterial wipes, and anything else you might anticipate.
o Bring relaxing music on your ipod or mp-3 player! You can even download nature sounds, anything soothing and relaxing to you.
o Always have a good book or magazine for a mental escape as well.
o Splurge on a cozy plush neck pillow, or wrap for your shoulders when your trip gets chilly.
o Dress loosely, even down to your feet! Loose shoes are good, since feet tend to swell during the flight. (Nowadays you have to remove them in security anyways!)
o Mentally- stay relaxed and centered. Focus on your goal, getting to your destination! Try not to get caught up in the “travel stress’ going on around you. Tune it out! But don’t miss your flight! Happy travels and enjoy your vacations..

You come first! (after God)

Sounds selfish doesn't it? I know I have mentioned this before, but you have to take care of yourself first people. Emotionally, physically, financially, and on and on. Guess what?? What will the people who depend on you do if your broken down in any of those areas? Yes, hopefully family and friends would step in to lift you up, however- sometimes when we know we should say NO instead of YES, we take away valuable time and resources from ourselves!!! I do consider myself a giving and generous person, but when I'm emotionally or mentally beat down,and don't have much to give, sometimes and those around me may not "get it". Oh well! I would rather take some "me" time to get myself refreshed, so that I can tackle life and be the best mother,sister and friend, ect. that I can be to my loved ones..I know it's hard for some, so just take baby steps, practice saying "no", take some time for yourself, and communicate how you really feel... You would be surprised, those who care about you will really understand! Peace and blessings :)

Relax and bounce back! (part 2)

Ok guys, between the last time I wrote my blog till now, I have seriously had to use some of my "bounce back" skills! In life, its always one challenge after another, after all we are works in progress! Sooo, here are some things that help me when I seriously want to pull my hair out or slap somebody's face! Just kidding, I need my hair!
1. Remove yourself from the "situation". Go to another location, room, or take a walk.
2. I always look at the big picture, and realize "this too shall pass one day".
3. Be grateful and thankful anyway. No matter what your going through, there is something or someone in your life you can be grateful for.
4. Do something that you know intentionally relaxes you- I just found this webiste, very interesting- sound sleeping website- soothing sounds!- this site has different natural sounds you can play or download, that are very relaxing! Sometimes, when I get a great nights sleep, I wake up with a fresh attitude.. Let me know what you think....
4. Above all pray! Send an SOS to God and tell Him all about it, He created you and He cares....

Relax and bounce back! (part 1)

Resilience. Endurance."Bounce back". Do you have these traits? Or do you freak and stress over the slightest things? I always wondered why and how some people handle certain things so differently. I have always been pretty calm overall. Sometimes to a fault, where people think I don't care, or am just indifferent.This couldn't be further from the truth. Something in me is able to take a few minutes to process the big picture. Usually when I do that, I realize things could be worse, and I am thankful for what I do have.I have seen people endure some brutal situations, and somehow, they are still here. For me its my faith in God and knowing he wont put more on me than I can bear..It's also my son, who needs an even temperament in his life.Now, don't get me wrong! I have my days and my blowouts...I am always looking for little ways to take care of me, and help me calm myself and de-stress.This is big for us, and the people around us every day, negative energy can be contagious! Sometimes you just have to walk away, or close the door to your room for a time. We all have different coping mechanisms to bounce back- What are yours? Im going to come with some different ways to relax in my next blog...

Listen!!

Oh the importance of listening. I mean really listening, not looking at someone with a blank, distracted stare and glassy eyes. I admit, I have been guilty of this! How many times have your kids or significant other have been trying to tell you something, and you were off in La La land? I see the benefits of really listening to my son, because he is sensitive, and demands my attention when he is telling me something. He acts so hurt when im not really listening. Listen, life can be distracting, period. We have work, school, family responsibilties and more.But it really makes a difference when we really, truly listen to what people are saying, and it also allows you to REALLY get to know someone better. Have you ever talked to someone and not really listened at first, then when you did pay attention, find out they were a jerk, or not very nice? Or on the flip side, found that they were really a cool person? It can be crucial! And it could save a relationship, with a son, a daughter, a friend or loved one.

Back to basics- lets stress less

Life doesnt have to be complicated, really it doesnt. Im in a "transitional" period right now, and the simpler and less complicated my life is, the better. Im trying to incorporate this thinking into everything I do, from eating, to relationships to dealing with my son. My child gets very easily stressed, so he does not need a stressed attitude from me.Sometimes,I have to "talk myself" through certain situations, or even call a friend for input when I feel things getting ready to blow. Im finding when I have lots on my mind lately, and things are crazy in my head, exercise helps so much! I used to laugh at people saying that exercise reduces stress, but now I see the benefits.Sometimes we need to remove ourselves from the situation and do a "mindless" activity- go for a walk through the mall, sit outside in fresh air,put on the ipod or even take a nap!If you have people in your life that are constantly sucking you dry, and create a negative atmosphere around you,distance yourself! Your peace of mind is sooo important- it affects you,your health and your loved ones. Try to keep it simple and see the difference.

Another good one, Gone too soon,Hug your loved ones!

Wow, my sister just called me with some sad, tragic news. Our old friend and neighbor Beverly, passed away. My sister still lives in the house where we grew up, and she would still see Beverly on a regular basis. She had been in poor health these past few years, on dialysis and recently had heart surgery, which she never recovered from. She had to be only in her late 50's! Wow. You know how you have that one house in the neighborhood where all the kids go, and nobody really gets turned away? That was her house. The house where if you walked in and dinner was cooking (even if it wasnt) you were welcome to stay and eat? That was Beverly's.
She even gave homes to cats and dogs who needed it.When my son was born? She brought over food and advice, even babysit for me when i needed it. When my dad was sick with cancer, she made food and had had her son take some up to ICU, where we were.Beverly Glover, is leaving behind wonderful children she raised, mostly by herself, grandchildren, friends, family and old neighbors who will miss her loving, generous spirit. I really wish I had more time to have spent with her, called to catch her up on things, it had been a long time since we had talked. The good thing- her wonderful spirit will live on, and she suffers no longer...Miss you Beverly.

Hmmmm this could be habit forming!

Happy Friday beautiful people! Yes, we are all unique and special and works in progress. Wondering about my blog title today? Well, I am in the middle of a "life overhaul" and changing old habits is part of my process. Did you know it takes about 30 days to form a new habit? Thats why you hear about the "30 day diets" "change your life in 30 days". It can be done. It really takes some sources of motivation, and some determination. For me, its bad food habits that im changing and im hoping after 30 days, The GOOD habits that I create will stick with me, and the old way I eat will seem sooo far gone.What are your bad habits? Food, drinking, not exercising, and of course some that maybe some of you hate to mention... With some support from family and friends, and a sense that you can CHANGE your life at any moment- not just at the beginning of the year, YOU CAN DO IT. Turn those bad habits around today! Have a peaceful weekend...

Friends-how many of us have them?

Old schoolers- remember that song? Classic lyrics. Anyway, I thought I would give everyone something to ponder over the weekend. Having true friends in your life is so important! I think certain people are placed in your path for a reason, and sometimes removed for a reason. Of course there are what i call "full circle" friends. Those are the friends that you have for life, sometimes you talk, somtimes you dont. But your friendship always picks right up where it started from every time! The true blue friends who support you in life through deaths, births and marriages.Those friends who help you with your drama, listen to your crazy stories and let you stay the night when your in trouble. Of course you have your work friends, which can turn into true friendships, too. In the 21st century, there are so many ways to keep up with and catch up with old friends! Anything goes, facebook, texting, email. Thank God for technology!

I wont spend too much time on the bad friends crowd- The needy, clingy, toxic friends that make you feel like your more burdened down with drama, that you were to begin with! Foolishness! Lets be all about supporting our friends, being there when they need to talk and listen, and making the effort to keep in touch! Of course thats a two way street as well. It goes both ways people. You can keep and treasure the old, and make new ones in your life journey! Friends- where would we be without at least one?

30 Day Life Change Challenge!

Whats going on world? I was talking to my co-worker today (hey LB!),she liked the idea of starting up a dance class. I told her I was on board, thats one of those things I totally gave up on, and miss! So she challenged me, lets do it in the next 30 days! That gave me a great idea for a blog post. What "new thing" can you challenge yourself to do in the next 30 days? Hmmm, no pressure, dont freak out on me..Maybe something that you have been meaning to do but havent done- take a class, get a pedicure or massage, drink more water, or get some exercise in somewhere! Make it something that will directly benefit or enrich your life. If you have a family, kids or a significant other, this will positively affect them too- you will feel accomplished, feel like you got some "me time" and hopefully less stressed on a regular basis! Life is too short, and we are too blessed to be stressed all the time! What's your "thing" going to be over the next 30 days?

Sunday Rambles and the benefits of walking...

I haven't posted in a few days, and I don't want to neglect my blog! Got some great deals at the local Harris Teeter grocery store yesterday, they let you triple your coupons every so often, and you can end up doing pretty good! I get excited, coupons are like free money to me! I think even if i had millions in the bank, I would still use coupons for the heck of it. I plan to exercise today, whether its the gym or a walk. The pounds are not melting off, BUT i feel better if I am doing something...On that note, i did some quick research on the benefits of walking-
1. Walking controls your blood pressure- it strengthens your heart, so it can pump more blood with less effort and less pressure on your arteries.
2. Walking decreases your risk of heart attack, brisk walking, 3 hours a week, or 30 minutes a day, can lower risk of heart disease in women.
3. Weight management of course! Combined with eating healthy, walking can help you maintain your weight, (i need to tell myself this every day :)
4. Walking can also boost "good cholesterol"(HDL) LDL is the bad cholesterol that can build up on your artery walls and cause heart attacks..

Okay, hopefully that opened your eyes to some good things about walking. The nice thing is you don't have to be an Olympic athlete to get a good walk in.. And you can do it anywhere! Work, school, home. Best of all, its free!! :)

Dream Killers!

Hmmm, what do i mean by dream killers? Sounds like a movie huh? Its actually a real phenomenon.This is when you have always had something inside you to accomplish, to attain, to "be" or to create- and the people around you, closest to you "kill" your dream. It could be a family member, a friend, a husband or a boyfriend, girlfriend or wife. Sometimes it could even be yourself. A dream killer can suck the life out of you, and throw you off track! Im speaking from my own personal experience..Sometimes we blame it on "life", we are "too busy", the jobs, the kids, etc. Foolishness! I now see the importance of working on even a little bit of yourself, your dreams and personal goals even in the midst of all of the other things.While your suppressing your dreams and desires, the dream killers couldn't care less! Life goes on for them, and you end up resentful, and sad that your missing something special in your life.

Sooo, lets take today to make a list, and start back on track! What dreams and hearts desires have you suppressed? For me its getting back into some dance classes, i have put it off for over a year! I just read that adjusting one positive area in your life will set off a chain reaction of positive outcomes in others. Lets see it for ourselves....What dreams have you killed? Bring them back to life!

Saying of the day: "Talk to the booty, cause the hands of duty!"

Spring cleaning tips :) first day of spring!

Yes! Spring has sprung, and as much as I do not look forward to it, now is a great time to organize, clean, de-clutter the closet and just get it together! Days seem longer, weathers nicer, and come summer you don't want to worry with this stuff! Plus you'll feel lighter, and anything that has been holding you back? Watch out! Im in nobody is holding me back mode right now.. Here are some tips to make it a bit easier:

- Use those compression storage bags, they take up a lot less space, you can get them anywhere now.
-Donate or sell any clothes you have not worn in 6 months to charity. LET IT GO!!
- Have a yard sale! Find out if your neighbors or friends want to go in with you..
- Break it up over two weeks or weekends, maybe clean one week and de-clutter the next,I find it less intimidating for me...

Also some household cleaning tips that can make your life easier:
-For a sparkling white porcelain sink, place paper towels across the bottom of your sink and saturate with household bleach. Let sit for 8 hour & rinse. Never use bleach in colored sinks.
-Remove stubborn water spots from a stainless sink with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.
-A few drops vanilla extract on a piece of cotton placed in the refrigerator will eliminate odors.
-Crayon marks on walls? A damp rag, dipped in
baking soda. Comes off with little effort.

Ok so, there you go! Lets clean and de-clutter our lives INSIDE and OUT!

Get it together.... ( and free pastry day at Starbucks!)

Hmmm, its interesting how things work themselves out in life. Its as if God is watching us from heaven, watching us run back and forth, frantic sometimes, trying to make things work that he had no intention of putting together. They may come together and work for a while, then we think we are really smart, cool and special, because "we" got it all together! We do have our own free will. Then, it can all crash around you, and your wondering, what the? All im trying to say is, ultimately, God is in control! As years go by, im learning sometimes you just have to go with His flow, and step outside of yourself for a minute. Check out Starbucks on March 23- free pastry day! Free Pastry!

Instinct!

Or a "sixth sense" a "knowing", just something deep down inside that tells you "stop" or "proceed with caution." Women tend to have this quality very strong, and sometimes we suppress it! I believe it God just warning us. Those "red flags" we ignore. If you think about it, they are almost always there, and because of our own "selves" we ignore the huge warning signs in our paths. At this stage in the game, Im still a work in progress, however- Im making a serious commitment to pay attention to the "red flags"in life and AVOID them!!Its really pretty simple,and will help me to avoid complications- in relationships, with family, at work and in general! The key is not rushing anything- take your TIME, and stop, pray, consider, ponder, and listen to what everything is telling you- then do it AGAIN!If i had done this so many times before.... :) Ok, thats my deep post for the week. I hope someone got something out of it! Peace :)No really we all need it - Peace

Tuesday Freebies!

Good Morning, my friends. I don't know what it is, but Im always on a quest to find free stuff! Not like in the stores, trying not to pay for stuff free. I mean I am on the hunt for giveaways, BOGO's and internet promotions. I did stumble across a site recently called Thunderfap- its pretty cool for people like me! Granted, you do have to usually do a wee bit of work, like filling out your info for something to be mailed to you, or taking brief surveys.The end result is free stuff in the mail! Loves it. Even if its a little packet of cream of wheat and coupons that i got yesterday.Do i have issues? Perhaps. LOL. Check it out, and give me some feedback!

Vitamin Quest...

Sounds so dramatic, i know. Im trying to find the right mix of vitamins to take- I want energy, calm, strong immune system and healthy bones... Is that too much to ask? I know a ton of vitamins and minerals can be found in foods we eat, and i did have some asparagus and zucchini with dinner tonight. However, I'm looking at buying some zinc, vitamin E, and some Siberian ginseng... LOL They say the ginseng keeps you calm, so when someone cuts you off in traffic, you just say, "God bless you"! That and prayer.Anyhow, anyone out there have a vitamin regimen that works for them? Clue me in. Also Tasters Choice coffee is offering a free sample of their coffee if you sign up to be their Facebook fan, for those of you who love a freebie and coffee... coffee sample! Well, love and blessings, I'm off to prepare for another week in the trenches! Work, that is.. :)

Testing Testing 1 2 3

My first post! Yay! Im feeling accomplished, because I said I wanted to start blogging and here I am, and here I go. As much as I have going in my life, with work, family and child- I need a place to come and let go.. Daylight savings time started today! Spring has sprung. Weight loss and health has to be my focus...Feeling pretty good, transferred a prescription over to CVS, and because i have a CVS card and a new prescription with them,i got a $25 gift card! Don't sleep on these rewards cards people, use em when you run to the store, a simple way for rewards to add up!